Robert Tivyayev: “Some forces in Dagestan don’t like Abdulatipov’s steps”

Interview by Peter Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza

Rabbi Ovadya Isakov who was injured in Dagestani Derbent is currently in the hospital of Israeli Petah Tikva. Vestnik Kavkaza interviewed the chairman of the all-Israeli Union of Mountain Jews, Robert Tivyayev, about this non-typical crime for the Caucasus.

-          The incident in Derbent is probably the first attempt on a rabbi’s life in the whole history of Dagestan. As a person who have been living in the Caucasus for many years, where numerous ethnic groups have lived together for centuries, I can say that traditions of international friendship and religious tolerance have always been strong there. Clerics, despite their belonging to this or that religion, have always been respected in Dagestan; and to raise a hand against them means a crime which cannot be forgiven. That is why the version that an Islamic fanatic attempted to rabbi Ovadya’s life is doubtful. The situation is much more complicated.

-          What are the motives of the criminal?

-          I think those who shot at rabbi Isakov wanted to strike efforts of the federal authorities and the new acting head of Dagestan Ramazan Abdulatipov to stabilize the situation in the republic and give impetus to its development. It is no secret that some forces in Dagestan don’t like the Abdulatipov's positive steps in this direction. They are only interested in stirring up the criminal situation in Dagestan, inter-ethnic and religious hatred, attacking the Jewish community and improving ties between Dagestan and Israel. I.e. they do their best to prevent the process of normalization of life. I believe the Dagestani authorities who say that they will do their best to find and punish those who dared to shot at the rabbi. It is in their interests.

-          What do you think about the version that the attempt on life could be caused by criminal grounds?

-          To be honest, if is so, criminal bosses of Dagestan will find and punish those who shot at Isakov, as I have said even from the point of view of the criminal world, shooting at clerics of any religion is unacceptable. However, I don’t like predictions. I believe that the current leadership of Dagestan will do its best in the situation.

-          Please tell about life of the Jewish community in Dagestan.

-          Unfortunately, the republic continues experiencing difficult times; and it reflects at various sides of life of its residents, including Jews. At the same time, we cannot complain that the Dagestani authorities prevent Jews from providing their rights for freedom of religion and development of their national culture. On the contrary, all steps in this direction are supported by the republican authorities. Synagogues, Jewish schools are working in all major cities of Dagestan; Jewish social life is bustling; however, the number of Jews is decreasing.